The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is once again at the centre of fresh leaks. New reports suggest the flagship model could feature a noticeably smaller Dynamic Island with refined internal changes.
The leak adds specific measurements to earlier rumours. It also hints at Apple’s gradual approach to under-display Face ID technology.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Dynamic Island Size Leak Explained
According to multiple recent leaks, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to debut a redesigned Dynamic Island that is around 35 percent narrower than current models. The change would mark one of the most visible design updates on the front of an iPhone in recent years.
The leaked measurements suggest the Dynamic Island could shrink to roughly 13.5mm in width. On the current iPhone 17 Pro series, the Dynamic Island measures close to 20.7mm. This reduction would make the cutout less prominent during everyday use.
The reported size refers to the default, inactive state of the Dynamic Island. This includes the black pixel area that visually connects the Face ID sensors and the front camera. As seen on existing iPhones, the Dynamic Island would still expand dynamically when showing Live Activities, navigation prompts, music playback, or system alerts.
Tipsters familiar with Apple’s hardware roadmap claim the redesign is linked to changes inside the Face ID system. Instead of moving all Face ID components under the display at once, Apple is reportedly starting with only the flood illuminator. Other sensors are expected to remain visible for now.
Earlier reports had suggested Apple might remove the Dynamic Island entirely on the iPhone 18 Pro. Those claims pointed to a single hole-punch camera positioned near the top-left corner. However, more recent information indicates Apple has chosen a more conservative approach.
By keeping part of the Face ID system visible, Apple can reduce engineering risks while still delivering a cleaner display. This strategy aligns with Apple’s history of introducing major hardware changes in stages rather than all at once.
Industry analysts also suggest that the smaller Dynamic Island design could remain unchanged for several years. Some believe Apple may stick with this layout until at least 2027, delaying a fully uninterrupted display until the technology matures.
What the Smaller Dynamic Island Means for Users
For everyday users, the slimmer Dynamic Island on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro would mainly offer visual refinement rather than new functionality. The reduced width could make videos, games, and full-screen apps feel slightly more immersive.
Functionally, the Dynamic Island is expected to work the same way as on current models. Live Activities, background navigation, call controls, and system notifications would still rely on the expandable pill-shaped interface.
The design change also signals Apple’s long-term direction. Instead of removing the Dynamic Island abruptly, the company appears to be slowly minimising it as under-display sensor technology improves.
This approach allows Apple to maintain Face ID accuracy and reliability. Face ID remains a core security feature, and any compromise in performance would be unacceptable for a flagship device.
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are widely expected to launch in September 2026. Until then, Apple is unlikely to confirm any design details officially.
In summary, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro could introduce a 35 percent smaller Dynamic Island while keeping its familiar functionality intact. The change reflects Apple’s cautious but steady move toward a cleaner, more seamless display design.
